CURRENT SITUATION IN PANAMA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP91B00874R000300260007-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 6, 2012
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: July 14, 1987
• Content Type: REPORT

? Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/01/08: CIA-RDP91B00874R000300260007-5
14 July 1987
Talking Points for ADDI's HPSCI Briefing
Current Situation in Panama
As you know from the newspapers, the lifting-of the state of emergency at
the end of June set the stage for both pro- and anti-Noriega demonstrators to
take-to the streets.
On 30 June-, civilian supporters of the regime staged a large protest at
the US Embassy that degenerated into rockthrowing hooliganism as
Defense Forcespersonnel Stood aside. Two days later, police stood- by
while businesses belonging to opposition leaders were firebombed, and -
the regime shut down an antigovernment radio station.
The political opposition attacked the regime in the media and engaged
in peaceful protests--such as motorcades throughout the city at certain
hours and a march by some 6,000 women on 5 July.
Defense Chief Noriega reluctantly agreed to
President Delvalle's ban on last Thursday's progovernment rally and Friday's
opposition demonstration.
-- The military effectively disrupted opposition efforts to defy the ban.
Up to 300 people were temporarily detained, including ten US citizens,
and several were injured. No deaths have been reported.
Delvalle's call for dialogue and an investigation of the allegations
against Noriega and the military on 5 July was an attempt to boost the
President's tarnished image. The speech was dismissed out of hand by the
opposition.
Noriega's support within the military remains solid, but there are cracks
evident in the ruling coalition.
-- Vice President Esquivel staked out some independent political turf for
his small Liberal Party last week when he seconded Delvalle's call for
an investigation of the charges leveled against Noriega and the
military. He also criticized the government for inhibiting
constitutional rights.
1
mm Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/01/08: CIA-RDP91B00874R000300260007-5
I
25X1
25X
25X1
25X
25X
25X1
' Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/01/08: CIA-RDP91B00874R000300260007-5
Esquivel, who has a reputation for being outspoken, is distrusted by
the military, which probably will view his recent criticisms of the
regime as a good reason to retain Delvalle.
The opposition appears to be gaining new members, but the movement still
lacks a charismatic leader to take the place of perennial dissident Arnulfo
Arias, whose advanced age finally has removed him from the political fray.
7- According to the Embassy, the Civil Crusade has grown from 30 to more
than 100 businesses, civic, and professional groups.:
-- Nonetheless, the most recent general business strike initiated by the
Civil Crusade was only partially successful. Crusade leaders admit
that the regime's strong influence over organized labor has muted '
strike efforts.
-7- The opposition intends to continue its nonviolent protest tactics in an
effort to bring down the regime. The direct impact of these protests
on the regime is negligible, but the continuing unrest is adversely
affecting investor and business confidence.
The regime recently has muted the anti-US rhetoric that followed the US
Senate resolution calling on General Noriega to step down, and it obviously /
does not want a permanent downturn in relations.
2
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
SECRET
LDeclassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/01/08: CIA-RDP91B00874R000300260007-5